You are using an out-of-date version of the Internet Explorer web browser. For a better experience on our website, please use a different web browser or update your Internet Explorer to version 8 or higher. Click here for more information.

Good for those new to opera and for those who have loved it for years. Sounds too good to be true? It is true. No one in the group posed as an expert. People disagreed amicably and really listened to each other. Superb group discussion leader.

We saw "Lucia" and "Manon": two fine performances! The people who provided guidance for the program and the teachers are all outstanding. The "students" are obviously self-selected in that they are interested in opera, so there is much to talk about. This was our 3rd experience with Explore New York as the guiding force for the program; each has been outstanding.
The program of operas for next season is already available. It's worth checking out

a fabulous program, excellent presenters, two great operas which we were prepped for before attending Don Giovanni and Carmen and the following morning "wrap up". Good location, very center, good food at Patrick's Restaurant in the Club Quarters Hotel on 45th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.

Have we experienced the life of an opera singer? Come hear one tell us her/his story. And then there is Will Berger...twice he spins his web as we are caught in it and never want him to finish. Do you know what a prompter really does during the opera? And then there is Dan...his knowledge and he tells us in such a fun way. Of course you attend the Met and is there anything like it in our country? This program is beyond anything I imagined. Come join a group of opera lovers and have a joyful time.

I totally agree with Al from TX. The program and people involved were top notch. This was my first trip to New York and the Met. I traveled as a single-what a pleasant and safe way to experience the city and great opera.

For confirmed opera lovers or beginners who are interested in an introduction to this pinnacle form of the theater arts, this program is the perfect opportunity to experience performances at one of the world's premier opera companies and interact with experts who will provide insights into every aspect of their production and presentation.

I totally recommend this program. Excellent lectures, operas, advice, and great fellow participants. A great first experience for me with Roads Scholar. Inspiring to meet two opera singers who shared so much with us!

Lectures on opera make this program very worthwhile for the less knowledgeable. David and I especially enjoyed the presentation by soprano Jolie Rocke Brown who not only discussed opera history but also sang five arias for us. She ensured that we will long remember our first Road Scholar program. We also much valued the contributions of Dan Egan, a master teacher, and Beth Greenberg, an enthusiast/director who explained how the intermeshing of the three main facets of opera (music, words, visuals) make it a complete art form. Attending two operas at "The Met" with a compatible group of participants was fun despite the uncomfortable seats (insufficient legroom for ancient knees or tall people). Dinners away from the hotel were good. However, the best part, in terms of food, was the timing of this February program to coincide with "Restaurant Week in NYC". By the time we left on Sunday, David and I had enjoyed three special menus at the Russian Tearoom, Glass House Tavern, and Circo, along with a Saturday night at the Fig & Olive. All
were recommended by fellow participants whom we hereby thank!

Anita from Brookline, MA
Number of programs attended:1
Date attended: 02/16/14-02/21/14
Just completed Ultimate Opera and loved every minute of the experience from the lectures and performances to all who participated and organized the program. From someone who is new to opera, I am looking forward to attending Boston Lyric Opera in March!

The Ultimate Opera Program is exceptional. The setting, opportunity to learn about opera from the professionals engaged in the Metropolitan Opera and attend two operas then discuss them afterward was fantastic. There is time to go to additional operas or other performances at the Met or elsewhere in New York. The organization of the program and staff who make it all flow seamlessly is well worth it. We plan to return for additional Ultimate Opera programs!

This was a wonderful program. so good, I will go again in the future. Two different operas will make the program different. My complements to the people who arranged the program, the speakers, especially, were outstanding. I do suggest upgrading the seats at the opera.

This is a wonderful program for opera lovers. I learned so much that will enhance my enjoyment of opera in the future. The staff were very helpful in providing suggestions and directions for doing fun things in New York City during our free time---it could not have been any better! I would highly recommend this to others!

Need Help?

The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!